Latest News — Gas Today — The magazine for Australia’s natural gas industry

New year sees start of new offshore regulators

Mon, 9 January 2012 Two new offshore regulating bodies – the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority and the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator – have completed their first week of operation.

Carbon tax passed, but not everyone’s convinced

Thu, 10 November 2011 Yesterday, the debate on a carbon tax found resolution as the Clean Energy Future legislation was passed through the Senate.

Pipeline Industry recognises importance of gas

Mon, 24 October 2011 Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) President Mr Peter Cox, has spoken at the APIA's annual convention and exhibition in Sydney stating that an 'unprecedented level of activity in the piepeline sector' to the tune of $A20 billion is diue to the expansion of the CSG projects in Queensland and the bourgeoning LNG industry in Western Australia, also stating that "the pipeline sector which will continue in line with the increased use of gas,”.

Eastern gas industry to promote economic and environmental prosperity

Thu, 15 September 2011 Developing a strong domestic gas industry will have a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions, energy pricing and jobs according to two new reports compiled by the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association and the Queensland Gas Commissioner.

Paving the way for the national offshore petroleum regulator

The Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson has tabled a package of amendment Bills into the House of Representatives that will create a single, national regulatory body for the offshore petroleum industry.

Extending the gas grid: connecting regional Victoria to reticulated gas

Through the Regional Growth Fund, the Baillieu Government has committed to conducting an $A1 million feasibility study into a natural gas pipeline along the Murray River, which would connect over 150,000 Victorians to reticulated gas.

Gov seeks public comment on safety strategy

Thu, 4 August 2011 The Australian Government has welcomed the release of the Gas Technical Regulators Committee’s draft Gas Appliance Safety Strategy, which is a first step towards identifying ways to make gas appliances safer.

Price carbon, protect natural gas: Pickard

Wed, 22 June 2011 Shell Australia Chair Ann Pickard has said Australia’s abundant supply of natural gas is one of the country’s greatest strengths in tackling energy and environmental security challenges.

12-month moratorium proposed for CSG: Greens

Tue, 7 June 2011 The New South Wales Greens have introduced a bill in state parliament to impose a 12-month moratorium on any new coal seam gas explorations.

Acreage release boosts economy

Over 200,000 sq km of exploration acreage was released by the Australian Government at the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Conference in Perth in April 2011.

A year on from the PRRT

Discussions surrounding the proposed extension of the petroleum resource rent tax and a potential carbon price are likely to distract the gas industry from broader tax issues affecting the sector. KPMG national Tax Leader for Energy and Natural Resources Rod Henderson outlines the key tax issues facing gas companies.

Governing gas – one on one with Martin Ferguson

Gas Today sat down with the Hon Martin Ferguson to discuss the Federal Government’s perspective on the issues which are shaping Australia’s gas industry. Katherine St Lawrence and Stephanie Clancy report.

Gas: fuel for the future by a country mile

Philip St Baker is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ERM Power, which began as a specialist advisory firm and has now expanded its operations to include electricity sales, generation and gas procurement. Here he speaks to Gas Today about ERM’s activities in the gas industry.

Overlapping tenure in Queensland: a new regime

The Queensland Government has sought feedback on proposed new laws to better manage conflicts arising out of overlapping tenure, writes Carter Newell resources Partner James Plumb.

5 minutes with Graeme Bethune

Dr Graeme Bethune is Chief Executive and founder of EnergyQuest. With 30 years' experience in economic and financial analysis and ten years in senior business development and finance roles with Santos, Dr Bethune is now the lead author of major EnergyQuest reports and consulting studies for energy producers, energy buyers and governments.

WorleyParsons releases report on greenhouse gas emissions

Thu, 28 April 2011 WorleyParsons has released the findings of a new study entitled: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study of Australian CSG to LNG. The report outlines potential global greenhouse gas benefits associated with Australia expanding its LNG industry.

Measuring gas – near enough may not be good enough

Thu, 28 April 2011 Using natural gas that has inaccurately measured composition and energy content can result in a potentially damaging experience for your brand, customer relationships, and corporate integrity. The National Measurement Institute is working to improve standards for gas measurement.

Appeal to competition tribunal over ERA decision

Wed, 23 March 2011 WA Gas Networks has filed an application for leave of the Australian Competition Tribunal to review the Economic Regulation Authority of Western Australia’s (ERA’s) final decision regarding revised access arrangements for the Mid-West and South-West gas distribution systems for the period 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2014.

GIA releases report on GHG emissions of hot water systems

Wed, 16 March 2011 A new report commissioned by the Gas Industry Alliance (GIA) has revealed that air-sourced heat pump hot water systems, which are covered by the Federal Government’s Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), have a lifetime carbon footprint that is 50 per cent higher than gas hot water systems, which are not covered.

Fuel for thought

The Federal Government is planning to introduce an alternative fuel excise, which will include a tax on natural gas fuels for transport. Gas Today looks at the proposed tax and its effect on the natural gas-powered vehicle industry.

Tariff increase for WA networks approved

Thu, 3 March 2011 The Economic Regulation Authority of Western Australia (ERA) has released its final decision on WA Gas Networks’ proposed revised access arrangement for the Mid-West and South-West Gas Distribution Systems for the period 1 January 2010 – 30 June 2014.